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Cadillac ELR will be smart-grid ready from day one

The 2014 Cadillac ELR luxury coupe cuts a dramatic, forward-leaning profile that remains faithful in its execution to the Art & Science design philosophy and the Converj show car that inspired it. The ELR is the industryâ??s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR luxury coupe cuts a dramatic, forward-leaning profile that remains faithful in its execution to the Art & Science design philosophy and the Converj show car that inspired it. The ELR is the industryâ??s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR luxury coupe cuts a dramatic, forward-leaning profile that remains faithful in its execution to the Art & Science design philosophy and the Converj show car that inspired it. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR luxury coupe cuts a dramatic, forward-leaning profile that remains faithful in its execution to the Art & Science design philosophy and the Converj show car that inspired it. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

Aerodynamics play a pivotal role in the ELR�s exterior design and driving range, as airflow is managed to help the vehicle slip through the air with minimal resistance. A flush front fascia and grille, as well as tapered corners, enable air to move easily around the car. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR features Cadillac�s signature LED headlamp and taillamp elements and a daytime running lights motif at the edges of the headlamp housings. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR features Cadillac�s signature LED headlamp and taillamp elements and a daytime running lights motif at the edges of the headlamp housings. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

Aerodynamics play a pivotal role in the ELR�s exterior design and driving range, as airflow is managed to help the vehicle slip through the air with minimal resistance. A flush front fascia and grille, as well as tapered corners, enable air to move easily around the car. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR�s 2+2 layout is driver-focused and luxurious � distinctive for its craftsmanship and connectivity. The leather-trimmed interior blends authentic chrome and wood accents � and available carbon fiber trim � as well as a sumptuous microfiber headliner and steering wheel covered in leather and sueded microfiber. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR�s 2+2 layout is driver-focused and luxurious � distinctive for its craftsmanship and connectivity. The leather-trimmed interior blends authentic chrome and wood accents � and available carbon fiber trim � as well as a sumptuous microfiber headliner and steering wheel covered in leather and sueded microfiber. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR�s 2+2 layout is driver-focused and luxurious � distinctive for its craftsmanship and connectivity. The leather-trimmed interior blends authentic chrome and wood accents � and available carbon fiber trim � as well as a sumptuous microfiber headliner and steering wheel covered in leather and sueded microfiber. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR�s 2+2 layout features fold-down rear seats to accommodate longer items, such as skis, snowboards and golf clubs. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR�s 2+2 layout is driver-focused and luxurious � distinctive for its craftsmanship and connectivity. The leather-trimmed interior blends authentic chrome and wood accents � and available carbon fiber trim � as well as a sumptuous microfiber headliner and steering wheel covered in leather and sueded microfiber. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR Cadillac CUE features a large, eight-inch, full-color capacitive-touch screen in the center of the instrument panel. It supports the electrified driving experience with displays on driving efficiency, energy usage, charging options and more, in addition to a broad range of infotainment options. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR�s 2+2 layout is driver-focused and luxurious � distinctive for its craftsmanship and connectivity. The leather-trimmed interior blends authentic chrome and wood accents � and available carbon fiber trim � as well as a sumptuous microfiber headliner and steering wheel covered in leather and sueded microfiber. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

CUE, Cadillac�s breakthrough infotainment system for connectivity and control, with Navigation is standard on the 2014 Cadillac ELR and accessible through a large, eight-inch, full-color capacitive-touch screen in the center of the instrument panel. It supports the electrified driving experience with displays on driving efficiency, energy usage, charging options and more, in addition to a broad range of infotainment options. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR�s leather-trimmed interior blends authentic chrome and wood accents � and available carbon fiber trim � as well as a sumptuous microfiber headliner and steering wheel covered in leather and sueded microfiber. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

The 2014 Cadillac ELR�s leather-trimmed interior blends authentic chrome and wood accents � and available carbon fiber trim � as well as a sumptuous microfiber headliner and steering wheel covered in leather and sueded microfiber. The ELR is the industry�s only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

This rendering displays the battery and propulsion system technology found in the 2014 Cadillac ELR.

General Motors just might have figured out a good way to go head-to-head with its luxury electric vehicle competitors, the Tesla Model S and BMW i3 – throw fancy new smart energy and cloud-based connections into the deal. GM says the extended range Cadillac ELR will be "Smart Grid ready" as its technology, combined with OnStar's connectivity, can communicate between the car and electric grid to save energy.

We'll start with the expected connection features. ELR owners can access the OnStar RemoteLink Mobile App for a long list of available services. Examples include, checking the car's operating systems, sending remote commands and accessing EV-specific functions. The usual EV driver's questions are, of course, answered: state of charge, driving range, electric miles drive and equivalent miles per gallon. One of the best features is controlling and scheduling charges with an option to charge during off-peak hours when electricity rates are much cheaper.

It's the Smart Grid connections where the ELR could set itself apart.

It's the Smart Grid connections where the ELR could set itself apart, for now, at least. Utilities and third-party companies will have access to some useful data from OnStar's Smart Grid Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Demand response allows OnStar to manage energy use and costs for ELR owners who opt in for the service; time-of-use rates offers dynamic time-of-use pricing from utilities, which can facilitate charging during low-cost periods; charging data will help OnStar find good plug-in locations and potential load scenarios; and aggregated services allows electric service providers to manage the charging of participating EVs in a given geographical area, if customers consent to participating, potentially offering a solution when too many EVs attempt to charge simultaneously.

Using renewable energy could be one of the aggregated service offerings. A regional transmission organization would send OnStar a signal letting the cloud-based system know that renewable energy is available. OnStar is able to use this signal to manage charging and getting more EVs to utilize available renewable energy. OnStar is also working with TimberRock Energy Solutions on solar charging and energy storage. Read the press release for details.

CADILLAC ELR CONNECTS TO THE SMART GRID

DETROIT – The Cadillac ELR will be Smart Grid ready as soon as it comes off the production line. Using the luxury coupe's extended range electric vehicle technology combined with OnStar's cloud-based connection, the ELR will be able to communicate with the electric grid and potentially save energy.

ELR owners will have access to the OnStar RemoteLink Mobile App, which in addition to allowing drivers to check their vehicle's operating systems and send remote commands, gives them access to electric vehicle specific functions. The EV-tailored app shows owners their vehicle's current state of charge, electric range, electric miles driven and eMPG, or equivalency of electric miles per gallon.

The RemoteLink Mobile App also will allow ELR owners to control and schedule vehicle charging, including an option to charge during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lowest.

In addition to the RemoteLink app available today, OnStar is an enabler for solutions that may benefit drivers in the future.

"While RemoteLink is really our first Smart Grid service to be available for consumers, the same connection we use to enable the app's EV functions can be used to open the door for more energy cost and load control benefits," said Russ Eling, manager, Smart Grid and EV Services, General Motors.

OnStar has four unique Smart Grid APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, that utilities and third-party companies can work with to develop real-world solutions for the ELR:

Demand response – This future service connects utilities to companies that have intelligent energy management products, allowing OnStar to manage energy use for ELR customers who opt in for the service. Benefits include saving money on energy costs and enabling more efficient use of the electric grid.

Time-of-Use rates – OnStar can receive dynamic time-of-use pricing from utilities and notify ELR owners of the rate plan offers via email. Owners would be able to use OnStar to load the rate plans directly into their vehicle and access them to schedule charging during lower-rate periods.
Charging data – OnStar can send and receive EV data including location-based EV data that identifies charging locations and determines potential load scenarios.

Aggregated services – This solution allows electric service providers to manage the charging of participating vehicles in a given geographic area, with customer consent. This includes the ability to control charging on a large amount of EVs simultaneously. These services could potentially result in a more efficient use of clean energy.

An example of an aggregated service solution would be charging with renewable energy. A regional transmission organization would send OnStar a signal letting it know that renewable energy is available on the electric grid. OnStar then uses this signal to manage the charging of one or multiple EVs in order to utilize the available renewable energy.

OnStar recently partnered with TimberRock Energy Solutions, Inc. using Demand Response to aid with TimberRock's ability to store and charge with solar energy. OnStar's Smart Grid research is made possible by the U.S. Department of Energy.

About Cadillac
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac's media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

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For those who are pondering why we are so disappointed at the pricing... autoblog posted an a year ago titled "Cadillac ELR to cost less than $57,400 Tesla Model S" which made ppl excited and greater fans in the first place. http://green.autoblog.com/2011/08/18/cadillac-elr-to-cost-less-than-57-400-tesla-model-s/ and now...its starting at $75k

It's amazing how much awareness of the Volt subtracts from the perceived value of the ELR. It would be interesting to see how responses might have been different if the ELR was introduced first, then the Volt a few years later. The ELR would have been stacked up against the Fisker Karma but cost about $40,000 less. The Volt would have been seen as half the price of the ELR instead of the ELR being twice the price of the Volt.

No, if they had debuted this first it would have been a total flop. And the groans over public money being spent on such a stupid company would have gotten louder. There is a reason the Volt had a price adjustment down quickly after it came out. Now they have badge engineered it, taken away two doors and tacked on 30+ to the price. That's just horrible business. They might could sell them at 50ish.....maybe. But at 75, they will sit in the showrooms collecting dust.

I'm invested in the idea of both GM and electric cars succeeding. This car seems like it will do damage to both. The volt is an amazing car that is just a hair too expensive to sell properly on the open market (note that I think it actually makes a lot of sense financially compared to many other cars, but that fact didn't seem to have made it into the public consciousness). This seems like it is only marginally better (mechanically speaking) but well over two and a half times more expensive. It is a beautiful car but I'm worried that the "story" about this car that makes it into the public consciousness is "pretty volt". Sales will suffer then and it will show the adoption of (and development) of ev's going forward.

Yes, one of my biggest fears for the EV movement is an influencial US automaker will declare that EREVs simply, "Do NOT have enough demand" and scrapping their projects and causing other automakers to follow suit. Sort of like the original ZEV mandate EV-1 scenario. But this is unlikely now. EVs are successfull on their own. GM already proved demand with an EREV (Volt)... so no backsees now.

I'll say it again. I LOVE what GM are doing (ATS, CTS, Stingray, Impala, etc) but do not have a good feeling about this one. Way too expensive for an overdressed Volt. In no possible way can this compete with a Model S. Not in size, not in build quality, not in performance, utility, customer service/support, technology, etc, etc. It is a flop and doomed. I hope the cost to develop ( I mean dress up) the ELR (I mean Volt) won't have any impact on the amazing things going on with the renaissance at Caddy.

Actually, there is no way a Tesla can compete against this. With the Cadillac, I could drive to the mountains today and make it home. I could drive south to the beach, and make it there. I could, at any time I want, drive 3 hours away from home and make it back. The Tesla is a fail on all accounts. The only reason the company is profitable is because of government intervention in the market. Everything I said is a fact. It would be great if there was an EV that was as useful as a normal car, but there is not. Why all the denial?

Nope. Judging from seeing both Cadillacs and Teslas in the real world. Build quality, over-all design and user interface (CUE seriously sucks in a moving vehicle... I wish it was better!!) goes to Tesla. - in some areas by a little and in many by a lot. Again... as much as I love what is going on at Caddy (I seriously want a 2014 CTS V-sport!!) there is no comparison between the ELR and the Model S. They are not in the same ballpark. It is doomed, especially if Caddy and GM keep comparing it to the Tesla. They should just try to be the over-priced Caddy version of the Volt and hope nobody notices. Just sayin...

@ Grendal, Yeah, I agree GM still hasn't regained the strength, vision and confidence that made it once great. One of the main problems is ending the competition and autonomy between the different divisions. But here's hoping for a recovery.

Should have at least made it four door. Fwd is the best if you are looking for best MPG. Physically it takes less energy to pull (fwd) than push (rwd) a car. But anyone with common sense would pick a Tesla over this, because odds are if they have the $ for this car, they already have another.

The ELR will help to improve Volt sales simply because people that test drive it will opt to spend a little less and live without some of the extras that the ELR will give them. Two commenters here already made that exact decision. There will be a few that will be willing to spend the extra anyway.

@ Grendal I always believed it was a mistake for GM to move away from the business model established by Alfred P. Sloan, of having a distinctive marque for each demographic. Toyota spent over $ 20 billion successfully establishing Lexus. Although the Lexus marque contributes only a small percentage to overall numbers, the division represents nearly 40% of overall car sales profits. Only in the US have the Buick and Cadillac brands lost the image of past glamour. Oldsmobile, is still remembered as an adventurous brand, where GM tested out new technologies. The idea, that young car buyers are no longer affected by the auto-mobiles glamour, is a self-fulfilling prophesy. Continue to offer, cars that are more like appliances, than expression of personality and status, and naturally no one's interested. BMW proved that by recreating the 'image', of the Mini, (but not the same car,) the young would support a whole new marque. Toyota achieved the same with both Prius and Lexus. The Mazda MX 5, almost single handedly recreated sales of that class of sports car. America has responded to the Tesla model S, in a manner unseen for decades. Part of Cadillac's problem, is affluent Americans are afraid to buy expensive, opulent US cars like Cadillac, for fear of a chorus of condemnation from fellow Americans. (It's cool to drive an expensive BMW or Mercedes, but not a Cadillac).

Anonymous

2 Months Ago

@Grendal

That's ridiculous. People in the Cadillac price bracket will not be impressed, but then settle for the very TIRED Volt. The Cad looks great, but that kind of buyer won't down-market himself to the ugly, drab 5 year old Chevy.